Jetman Dubai Over Tianmen Mountain

Human Flight in One of the World s Most Challenging Airspaces TIANMEN MOUNTAIN

In 2020, Jetman Dubai took human flight to one of the world’s most breathtaking and logistically complex locations: Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China. Known for its towering cliffs and narrow air corridors, the mountain presented not just a cinematic opportunity—but a logistical, technical, and safety challenge unlike any other.

Prime Productions played a crucial support role in this historic flight, advising on operational safety, coordination with Chinese aviation authorities, risk protocols, and on-the-ground logistics for one of the most visually stunning Jetman missions to date.

Flying Through Heaven s Gate Tianmen mountain

The centerpiece of the mission: a Jetman pilot flying at high speed through the natural archway known as “Heaven’s Gate”—a 30-meter-wide opening in the mountain at over 1,300 meters altitude.

To make this possible, Prime was involved in:

Topographic Risk Mapping: We conducted in-depth terrain analysis using drone LIDAR scans, wind models, and elevation profiles to assess safe flight paths and bailout zones in the event of system failure.
High-Altitude Launch Planning: At this altitude, oxygen levels, wind currents, and barometric pressure demanded custom-calibrated systems for both pilot performance and equipment reliability.
Cross-National Aviation Coordination: Working closely with both Chinese civil aviation authorities and Jetman’s operational team, we helped design airspace closure protocols and flight zone boundaries to keep both pilot and public safe.
Emergency Response Infrastructure: We mapped multiple rapid-response extraction points around the mountain, with local rescue teams briefed on flight windows, GPS paths, and parachute drop zones.

Precision at 240 km/h

Flying the Jetman wing at speeds exceeding 240 kilometers per hour, there was no margin for error. The pilot had less than two seconds to adjust orientation and altitude before threading through the arch at the perfect trajectory.

Prime’s risk model incorporated:

Wind shear patterns on both sides of the arch
GPS-guided virtual corridors with audible alerts
Continuous radio communication with a ground safety team monitoring real-time telemetry

A Testament to Collaboration

This mission represented a global effort—combining UAE innovation, Swiss-engineered flight systems, and Chinese operational logistics. Prime Productions brought experience in multinational aviation stunt management, ensuring every safety scenario was prepared for.

Alan Gayton safety and operations director at Jetman on site calling on radio

“Tianmen was not just a flight—it was a ballet between nature and technology, choreographed by precision, trust, and months of meticulous planning.”— Alan Gayton, Stunts & Safety Director, Prime Productions AMG

Jetman’s flight through Tianmen was more than a spectacle—it was a case study in pushing human boundaries with discipline and safety at its core. Prime is proud to have been part of the team that helped make it possible.